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Ask Ava

Do you have questions about dating violence? Or, do you ever wonder what makes a relationship healthy? Look no further than the Ask Ava Podcast, where experts weigh in on these topics and more - like blackmail, gender, consent, and sexual assault. Questions come directly from New Jersey-based classrooms & groups.  This podcast is recommended for listeners 12+.  Subscribe and stream all Ask Ava episodes wherever you get podcasts! Some episodes are also available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@safesoundsomersetThe Ask Ava Podcast is produced by Safe+Sound Somerset. Located in Somerset County, we provide survivor services and prevention programs for domestic, dating and sexual violence. If you need support, please call or text our trained advocates on our confidential, free, 24/7 Helpline: 866-685-1122. Music is "Fresh Cut" produced by Beats By Dillin.

  1. 273

    Ask Ava, Ep. 269: "When is jealousy abusive?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 269: "When is jealousy abusive?"You have a right to spend time with your friends, and have hobbies and activities that are important to you outside of your relationship. Join us for the last part of our series looking at non-physical forms of abuse, as special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about how jealousy can be used as an excuse to isolate and control someone. If you or someone you know need help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122 for supportive listening, information, and connection to additional services. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  2. 272

    Ask Ava, Ep. 268: "What does verbal abuse look like in an abusive relationship?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 268: "What does verbal abuse look like in an abusive relationship?"Verbal abuse can be scary and have lasting impacts. Hear from special guest Jessica Fernandez about how to recognize verbal abuse in this third installment of our series looking at different types of abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, contact our 24/7 Call and Text Helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  3. 271

    Ask Ava, Ep. 267: "How can you recognize gaslighting?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 267: "How can you recognize gaslighting?"Gaslighting is when someone uses manipulation and lies to purposely make you question your reality and your experiences. In the second installment of a 4-part Ask Ava series exploring different types of abuse, special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about how to recognize and respond to gaslighting.If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out to Safe+Sound Somerset's 24/7 Call and Text Helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.org.Support the showReal answers for real questions

  4. 270

    Ask Ava, Ep. 266: "What is financial abuse?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 266: "What is financial abuse?"Today we're launching a new 4-part Ask Ava series highlighting different types of abuse besides physical violence. In this episode, special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about the warning signs of financial abuse - when somene gains power and control over another person by manipulating their finances, employment, or educationIf you or someone you know need help, you can call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.org. Support the showReal answers for real questions

  5. 269

    Ask Ava, Ep. 265: "How can teens protect themselve against dating abuse when they start dating?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 265: "How can teens protect themselve against dating abuse when they start dating?"Before dating, it can be helpful to identify your goals for relationship and feel confident in your right to make your own choices, set boundaries, and give or deny consent. Along with learning the red flags of abusive relationships, these may be helpful tools in building healthy, safe relationships. Safe+Sound Somerset's 24/7 Call and Text Helpline at 866-685-1122 can provide information, supportive listening, safety planning, and referrals. To learn more, you can visit our website at www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  6. 268

    Ask Ava, Ep. 264: "How can I set boundaries without being mean?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 264: "How can I set boundaries without being mean?"Setting boundaries is a form of self-love; creating safety for YOU is not mean to someone else. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins us to talk about how setting boundaries can be an act of healing and empowerment!If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to our 24/7 Call and Text Helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  7. 267

    Ask Ava, Ep. 263: "How can I help my friend in an abusive relationship?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 263: "How can I help my friend in an abusive relationship?"It's important to show your friend you believe them and support their decisions with care and concern, not with judgement. Join us as special guest Jessica Fernandez shares how her friends helped her through a difficult time. To speak with an expert, call or text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  8. 266

    Ask Ava, Ep. 262: "Why is it important to have men doing domestic and sexual violence prevention?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 262: "Why is it important to have men doing domestic and sexual violence prevention?"Join us for a special conversation with Safe+Sound Somerset's Community Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, Victor Peralta, as he talks about a recent conversation with someone who was surprised to see a man doing domestic and sexual violence education. Domestic and sexual violence impact people regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and it will take EVERYONE working together to end abuse once and for all!To speak with an expert, call or text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.org.Support the showReal answers for real questions

  9. 265

    Ask Ava, Ep. 261: "How can I tell my current partner about a past sexual assault?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 262: "How can I tell my current partner about my past sexual assault?"You deserve to be believed and to not be blamed for the sexual assault. Let your partner know how you need them to listen and support you, and give them space for their own reaction as well. Safe+Sound Somerset is here for both of you. Call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122 for supportive listening, information, and referrals to services. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  10. 264

    Ask Ava, Ep. 260: "What are the impacts of teen dating violence?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 260: "What are the impacts of teen dating violence?"Experiencing teen dating violence can have devasting impacts on individuals and whole communities. Join us as we talk about some of the effects of teen dating violence AND flip the script to talk about the positive impacts of healthy, safe relationships. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.org. Support the showReal answers for real questions

  11. 263

    Ask Ava, Ep. 259: "What are some red flags of abuse besides physical violence?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 259: "What are some red flags of abuse besides physical violence?"Red flag behaviors are actions that someone else uses to take away or violate your right to make your own decisions, set boundaries, and give consent. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins Ask Ava to share some of her personal experiences as we discuss red flags of abuse besides physical violence. If you or someone you know needs help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  12. 262

    Ask Ava, Ep. 258: "I'm experiencing emotional abuse...how can I get others to take me seriously?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 258: "I'm experiencing emotional abuse...how can I get others to take me seriously?"You deserve to feel safe. Emotional abuse violates our right to make our own choices, set boundaries and give consent. Center your feelings when you communicate with others, and let them know how they can support you. If you or someone you know needs help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. We believe survivors!Support the showReal answers for real questions

  13. 261

    Ask Ava, Ep. 257: "Do victims share responsiblity for their assault because of the clothes they wear?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 257: Do victims share a responsibility for their assault because of the clothes they wear or the situations they put themselves in? NO! Assault only happens because the assaulter chooses to commit the assault. This question is an example of victim-blaming, and makes it harder for survivors to get the support they need. We believe survivors! Learn more on today’s episode of the Ask Ava podcast. If you or someone you know need help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.orgSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  14. 260

    Ask Ava, Ep. 256: "What is Denim Day?"

    Ask Ava Ep. 256: “What is Denim Day?”Denim Day is a global day of action where people make a fashion statement in support of survivors and to prevent sexual violence. Learn more about Denim Day and how you can make a difference on this week’s episode of Ask Ava!If you or someone you know needs help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122 or visit www.safe-sound.org for more information. Support the showReal answers for real questions

  15. 259

    Ask Ava, Ep. 255: "Is a Big Age Gap in a Relationship Bad?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 255: Is a Big Age Gap in a Relationship Bad?It depends….are there legal concerns? Does the age gap impact someone’s ability to make choices, set boundaries and freely give consent? In this episode of Ask Ava, we explore ways to help determine if an age gap is creating a harmful or dangerous imbalance of power and control. If you or someone you know need help, call or text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122.  Visit safe-sound.org for more information.Support the showReal answers for real questions

  16. 258

    Ask Ava, Ep. 254: "Why is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Important?"

    Ask Ava, Ep. 254: Why is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Important? Together We Act, United We Change! April 2025 is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Listen to this week’s Ask Ava podcast to learn how you can share information, support survivors, and prevent violence in recognition of SAAM. If you or someone you know need help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. Visit safe-sound.org for more informationSupport the showReal answers for real questions

  17. 257

    Ask Ava, Ep. 253: What Can We Learn From the "American Murder: Gabby Petito" True-Crime Series?

    Ask Ava, Ep. 253: What Can We Learn From the "American Murder: Gabby Petito" True-Crime Series? The recently released true-crime series soared to the number one show on Netflix and brought the horrific murder of Gabby Petito back in the spotlight of social media.  Join the Safe+Sound Somerset Outreach team as they discuss what we can learn from the show about relationship violence, red flags, and how to help a friend. If you or someone you know need help, reach out to Safe+Sound Somerset's 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. Support the showReal answers for real questions

  18. 256

    Ask Ava, Ep. 252: What is the Nonfatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Team?

    Ep. 252: What is the Nonfatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Team? Join us for this special episode with guest Andrea Treadwell, who talks with us about the dangers of strangulation and smothering and answers common questions we receive about the Safe+Sound Somerset Nonfatal Strangulation and Smothering Response TeamSafe+Sound Somerset's 24/7 Call and Text Helpline: 866-685-1122Support the showReal answers for real questions

  19. 255

    Ask Ava, Episode 251: What if someone says "your body, my choice"?

    Episode 251: What if someone says 'your body, my choice'?Support the showReal answers for real questions

  20. 254

    Ask Ava, Ep. 250: "What if my partner needs to approve my social media posts?"

    Ep. 250: "What if my partner needs to approve my social media posts?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  21. 253

    Ask Ava, Ep. 249: "What if my partner makes me change what I wear?"

    Ep. 249: "What if my partner makes me change what I wear?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  22. 252

    Ask Ava, Ep. 248: "What if my friend stops hanging out with me because of their partner?"

    Ep. 248: "What if my friend stops hanging out with me because of their partner?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  23. 251

    Ask Ava, Ep. 247: "What are some green flags of a good friend?"

    Ep. 247: "What are some green flags of a good friend?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  24. 250

    Ask Ava, Ep. 246: "How can I leave my partner safely?"

    Ep. 246: "How can I leave my partner safely?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  25. 249

    Ask Ava, Ep. 245: "What if my partner is pressuring me to buy them gifts I can’t afford?"

    Ep. 245: "What if my partner is pressuring me to buy them gifts I can’t afford?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  26. 248

    Ask Ava, Ep. 244: "What if someone is bothering me at work?"

    Ep. 244: "What if someone is bothering me at work?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  27. 247

    Ask Ava, Ep. 243: "What if I want to leave, but my partner has been joking about suicide?"

    Ep. 243: "What if I want to leave, but my partner has been joking about suicide?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  28. 246

    Ask Ava, Ep. 242: "What if I feel guilty for saying 'no' to sex?"

    Ep. 242: "What if I feel guilty for saying 'no' to sex?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  29. 245

    Ask Ava, Ep. 241: "How can I show others that I’m a safe person?"

    Ep. 241: "How can I show others that I’m a safe person?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  30. 244

    Ask Ava, Ep. 240: "How do I know someone’s boundaries when it comes to sex?"

    Ep. 240: "How do I know someone’s boundaries when it comes to sex?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  31. 243

    Ask Ava, Ep. 239: "What if my partner keeps asking about sex, but I’m not ready?"

    Ep. 239: "What if my partner keeps asking about sex, but I’m not ready?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  32. 242

    Ask Ava, Ep. 238: "Can you take away consent after sex is over?"

    Ep. 238: "Can you take away consent after sex is over?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  33. 241

    Ask Ava, Ep. 237: "What if someone is bothering me at school?"

    Ep. 237: "What if someone is bothering me at school?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  34. 240

    Ask Ava, Ep. 236: "How many people lie about rape?"

    Ep. 236: "How many people lie about rape?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  35. 239

    Ask Ava, Ep. 235: "What if I pressured myself into having sex before I was ready?"

    Ep. 235: "What if I pressured myself into having sex before I was ready?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  36. 238

    Ask Ava, Ep. 234: "How do I set boundaries around my partner?"

    Ep. 234: "How do I set boundaries around my partner?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  37. 237

    Ask Ava, Ep. 233: "What if my partner wants my GPS location, but I’m uncomfortable?"

    Ep. 233: "What if my partner wants my GPS location, but I’m uncomfortable?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  38. 236

    Ask Ava, Ep. 232: "At what point does flirting become sexual harassment?"

    Ep. 232: "At what point does flirting become sexual harassment?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  39. 235

    Ask Ava, Ep. 231: "If I’m in a relationship, is it still sexual assault?"

    Ep. 231: "If I’m in a relationship, is it still sexual assault?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  40. 234

    Ask Ava, Ep. 230: "What if my partner keeps trying to talk to me like nothing happened?"

    Ep. 230: "What if my partner keeps trying to talk to me like nothing happened?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  41. 233

    Ask Ava, Episode 229: "What if someone says, 'I was just drunk, it won’t happen again?'"

    Episode 229: "What if someone says, 'I was just drunk, it won’t happen again?'"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  42. 232

    Ask Ava, Episode 228: "What if the way I joke around hurts others?"

    Episode 228: "What if the way I joke around hurts others?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  43. 231

    Ask Ava, Episode 227: "What are some ways a friend can manipulate you mentally?"

    Episode 227: "What are some ways a friend can manipulate you mentally?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  44. 230

    Ask Ava, Episode 226: "What if my ex is trying to ruin my new relationship?"

    Episode 226: "What if my ex is trying to ruin my new relationship?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  45. 229

    Ask Ava, Episode 225: "If someone throws things and calls me names, is that abuse?"

    Episode 225: "If someone throws things and calls me names, is that abuse?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  46. 228

    Ask Ava, Episode 224: "What if I want to say no to sex, but I'm scared they will get mad?"

    Episode 224: "What if I want to say no to sex, but I am scared they will get mad?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  47. 227

    Ask Ava, Episode 223: "What if my friend tells me not to get help for them?"

    Episode 223: "What if my friend tells me not to get help for them?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  48. 226

    Ask Ava, Episode 222: "Can I change my mind during sex?"

    Episode 222: "Can I change my mind during sex?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  49. 225

    Ask Ava, Episode 221: "Why don’t people just leave abusive relationships?"

    Episode 221: "Why don’t people just leave abusive relationships?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

  50. 224

    Ask Ava, Episode 220: "What are the signs that someone is love bombing their partner?"

    Episode 220: "What are the signs that someone is love bombing their partner?"Support the showReal answers for real questions

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Do you have questions about dating violence? Or, do you ever wonder what makes a relationship healthy? Look no further than the Ask Ava Podcast, where experts weigh in on these topics and more - like blackmail, gender, consent, and sexual assault. Questions come directly from New Jersey-based classrooms & groups.  This podcast is recommended for listeners 12+.  Subscribe and stream all Ask Ava episodes wherever you get podcasts! Some episodes are also available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@safesoundsomersetThe Ask Ava Podcast is produced by Safe+Sound Somerset. Located in Somerset County, we provide survivor services and prevention programs for domestic, dating and sexual violence. If you need support, please call or text our trained advocates on our confidential, free, 24/7 Helpline: 866-685-1122. Music is "Fresh Cut" produced by Beats By Dillin.

HOSTED BY

Safe+Sound Somerset

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Ask Ava have?

Ask Ava currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Ask Ava about?

Do you have questions about dating violence? Or, do you ever wonder what makes a relationship healthy? Look no further than the Ask Ava Podcast, where experts weigh in on these topics and more - like blackmail, gender, consent, and sexual assault. Questions come directly from New Jersey-based...

How often does Ask Ava release new episodes?

Ask Ava has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Ask Ava?

You can listen to Ask Ava on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Ask Ava?

Ask Ava is created and hosted by Safe+Sound Somerset.
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